Power up! How becoming a new power mobility user contributes to children’s participation and well-being

For children with disabilities, moving on their own is a right that includes access to the right devices and specialist training. The use of Power Mobility Devices (PMD) has been linked with the development of social skills, social identity, and opportunity to engage in play and school participation. Getting a PMD for children can take a lot of time and money. While some research has focused on the use of PMD among younger children, there is less known about how older children who get their first PMD are affected. This study presents a unique opportunity to learn from older children and their supports to better understand the child’s experiences as they transition. The aim is to understand the experiences of older children using a PMD for the first time by hearing children, caregivers and teachers’ opinions of the PMD, and any activity helped by the PMD. At the end of this study, we expect to know more at the child, family, and service levels. At the child and family levels, we will gain a better understanding of the importance of independent mobility in the lives of older children who had previously been dependent for mobility. Findings will also improve service delivery with a better understanding of the goals, impact, and opportunities to increase participation and well-being through appropriate PMD prescriptions. Overall, this will lead to more children with increased independent mobility opportunities. Our results will be used as a foundation of future research grant proposals and collaborations, where we will continue to investigate and optimize the experience of older children becoming new PMD users.